Facecies et motz subtilz, d'aucuns excellens esprits et tresnobles seigneurs

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25382

Title

Facecies et motz subtilz, d'aucuns excellens esprits et tresnobles seigneurs

Language

fr

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A witty collection of anecdotes, proverbs, and fables from renowned figures like the Medici and Dante, presented in both French and Italian. This volume offers a charming glimpse into Renaissance court life, blending sharp social satire with timeless wisdom.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in Lyon in 1557 by Robert Granjon, *Facecies et motz subtilz* by Lodovico Domenichi stands as a quintessential anthology of the Italian Renaissance, blending wit, satire, and cultural wisdom. The work, originally bilingual in French and Italian, is dedicated to the magnificent nobleman Sebastian Cruz and serves as a repository of anecdotes and proverbs gathered from distinguished spirits and noble lords. Domenichi structures the volume into two distinct parts: a collection of witty stories (*facecies*) and a compendium of proverbs (*motz subtilz*). The primary aim of the text is to offer relief from the burdens of public life and the melancholy of continuous study, echoing the traditions of ancient figures like Scipio and Socrates who sought recreation to preserve their virtue. The anecdotes feature a cast of famous historical personalities, including the Medici family, Dante, and various popes and kings. These short narratives illustrate the cleverness, hypocrisy, and humor of their subjects. For instance, Lorenzo de' Medici is depicted as dismissive and shrewd, suggesting that a suspect citizen could be found anywhere if given a flask of wine. Similarly, a peasant boasts that dining with Lorenzo was a greater feat than eating with Christ, highlighting the perceived grandeur of the Medici. Other stories reveal the cunning of the era, such as the tale of the fox who tricks the lion by flattering a deer back to its captor, only to steal its heart. The text also captures the political acumen of figures like Cosimo de' Medici, who advises that one must begin a prohibition by leading by example, and the diplomatic exchanges between the Kings of France and England, where heraldic disputes are settled through clever verse. The second section offers a vast array of proverbs comparing human nature to animals and objects. These sayings range from the cynical observation that 'a woman changes like the moon' to the practical advice that 'the fox takes the heart of the deer.' The tone throughout is light and instructive, utilizing satire to critique social norms, religious hypocrisy, and political folly. By alternating between French and Italian, the book reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the original edition and the cultural exchange of the time. Ultimately, *Facecies et motz subtilz* functions as both entertainment and a guide to navigating the complexities of human behavior, preserving the linguistic and intellectual treasures of the Italian Renaissance for a French audience.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-06 15:45 UTC

Categories

• Humor
• Anecdotes